At this time of year Chelsea are usually
scouting for one or two signings to push on with another title-chasing campaign
but this season has been completely different. The poor start the Blues made
was expected to be turned around by now, but with goals and points still hard
to come by, Jose Mourinho will be hoping the New Year brings a change in
fortunes and a much-needed boost in trophy chances.

Only a point off the relegation spots at
the time of writing, it is highly likely that Roman Abramovich will be digging
deep into his pockets during the January transfer window to salvage something
from the league this season. But who should make way for the expected influx of
signings?

REVERSAL OF FORTUNE

After winning the title last season it was
expected that a couple of new signings would only enhance the level of players
that were already performing so well. But even with the universally poor
standard of play, there have been some that have really gone downhill since
last season.

Branislav Ivanovic is a perfect example of
the general level of decline. One of the first names on the team sheet for a
number of years, the Serbian defender made a torrid start to the season and has
not really recovered. His pace has been lacking on an alarmingly regular basis
and although he wants to stay he may not get as many playing opportunities if
Mourinho recruits in the January transfer window.

STARTLING PERFORMANCES

It may be a little unfair as he was just so
good last season but Oscar’s lack of form has been very noticeable. From being
the focus of many an attack the Brazilian has just not got going this year and Mourinho has favoured other
midfielders for the majority of the season. It seems unlikely that Oscar would
go in January but an exit in the summer could well be on the cards.

MIDFIELD MALAISE

Although there have been problems all over
the pitch, Chelsea’s midfield players have not really performed so far and
another example of the decline is Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard’s return to
London in 2014 after three seasons at Barcelona re-ignited the team and the
midfielder played a prominent role in last year’s success. But his form has
looked poor this season and other clubs could be tempted to try their luck.

LOAN WOES

After being the transfer target of choice
only a couple of seasons ago, Radamel Falcao’s stock has dropped remarkably. A
forgettable spell at Manchester United looks to be repeated at Stamford Bridge
as the Colombian striker has not impressed Mourinho enough to give him a go –
even when Diego Costa has been absent. His loanperiod is supposed to run until the end of the season but there is much to
be said for ending that early in January and looking elsewhere for goals.

COSTA EXIT?

Although it would be headline news if Costa
left the club in January, recent form – and attitude – has made the unthinkable a possibility. After last season’s
barnstorming success the Spanish international has not impressed on the pitch.
And his petulant attitude at being substituted will not have made Mourinho
happy. Talk of a return to Atletico Madrid has been mooted but January will
probably be too early for an exit. But if Zlatan arrives in the summer it is
unlikely that Costa will stick around.

PRIORITIES

It must be stressed that Chelsea could
still win two trophies this season and with a return of form after Christmas it
will be more important who is coming into the club to work towards winning the
league again in 2016-17. But with so many players at the club there is always a
lot of activity in transfer windows and some well-known – and well loved – players
could be leaving. Something everyone at Chelsea has got used to in the past few
years.

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